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“He, who every morning plans the transactions of the day, and follows that plan, carries a thread that will guide him through a labyrinth of the most busy life.” Victor Hugo

I am sure you are busy. In fact, I know you are busy this week. This week, Holy Week is the distillation of all we as choral professionals do, packed into seven days. A friend of mine in grad school, who had sung with the professional choir at Holy Name Cathedral in Chicago, told me she and her fellow choristers called this “H**L Week.” At the end of it on Easter Sunday, they came out of it bleary eyed, craving chocolate and wanting to sleep for 24 hours. Most church musicians can relate to this and even if you are not a church musician, you can relate.

Whether you are singing, playing or conducting this week, you are busy. But this is just the showy part of the worship services, lined up one after another during Holy Week, the real work took place months ago. I explain to my civilian friends and family, being a choral conductor means steady planning for months, then intense busyness, then nothing. And repeat. It used to seem to my mother-in-law I didn’t work during the summer but it’s my most productive time. And my planning is probably more important than my actual doing.

This week, all your plans are coming to fruition. Everything you’ve been working on for months is finally coming together. There is a light at the end tunnel, along with the Easter Lilies. You are almost there with only a couple of rehearsals left.

Remember to jot down, when you have a minute, what works and what doesn’t this week so you’ll be a bit ahead for next year. Remember to eat properly and get enough sleep (if you can) so you can get through the whole week and not crash at the end. Remember to participate in, as well as observe your beautifully planned Tenebrae service and feel the wonder of it all. Remember to guide your choirs and the other musicians through the last part of this Lenten journey. Remember to remember what this feels like; a wonderfully planned and perfectly executed Holy Week and even if you don’t think it is, someone will, so take the compliment!

We are almost there, almost. Take a break, take a nap and then buckle down for these last few days. The brass players are ready, the organ and piano are tuned, your choirs seem prepared, and everything is in place. I can smell the Easter Lilies……what are you waiting for…let’s do this!

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Waiting – Advent Lessons and Carols

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  Hi, I have a new anthem with Augsburg Fortress. It’s called Waiting and it is for 3-pt (any) voices, flute, piano, and opt. handbells. It’s a round on this text – We are waiting, we are waiting for the Lord to come down and be with us. It would make a nice piece for a […]

Dr. Annette Ermshar Joins Los Angeles Master Chorale Board of Directors Board Officers for 2011-12 Also Announced

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Dr. Annette Ermshar, a Pasadena-based forensic psychologist in private practice, has joined the Board of Directors of the internationally acclaimed Los Angeles Master Chorale (LAMC) it was announced by LAMC Chair Mark Foster.  Her three-year term began in July 2011. “We are delighted that Annette has joined the Board,” says LAMC Chair Mark Foster.  “She […]

Choral Caffeine: It’s All About People

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Isn’t it delightful when former students “check in” to let you know how they are doing?  I simply adore those calls!   Recently a colleague-who-used-to-be-a-student (there has to be less cumbersome descriptor) contacted me to share that she had taken a new job as an assistant principal.  Bless her heart, she was concerned that I […]

Choral Caffeine: Terrific Teacher Tech Tools

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Communicating non-musical information to choir members can be . . . well . . . let’s be nice and just say it’s a challenge.   Of course, the responsibility for following instructions and maintaining schedules rests squarely on the shoulders of the individual choir members.  But ultimately, it is the director who has to deal […]

Choral Art Society of NJ – 50th Anniversary Season

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The Choral Art Society of New Jersey is celebrating its 50th year as an organization dedicated to learning and singing great choral music.  During this Golden Anniversary year it will be performing Felix Mendelssohn’s Oratorio, Paulus (St. Paul), Op. 36.  This is a magnificent composition which was first performed in Dusseldorf, Germany, on May 22, […]

The Washington Chorus represents the District in New York City 9/11 Tribute

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On September 9, The Washington Chorus will represent Washington, D. C. in a special day of choral music at Trinity Church Wall Street (New York City) culminating in an evening concert featuring choirs from New York City, Boston and Pennsylvania.  Under the direction of Julian Wachner, The Washington Chorus will perform the Rachmaninoff Vespers, The […]

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